Lock Snapping: 4 Expert Tips to Prevent It from Happening
Protect your home from lock snapping with expert tips that strengthen security, enhance durability, and keep intruders from exploiting weak points.
Lock snapping is a frequently used technique burglars employ to break into homes. In fact, one in three burglaries in the UK is carried out through this method. Homes with doors fitted with euro cylinder locks are often targeted as these locks are the easiest to snap. Using simple tools, burglars can do it quickly and quietly.
With the help of an expert emergency locksmith from Lock & Key, we have put together essential information homeowners need to know about lock snapping – what it is, tips on how to make your home lock-snap proof – and answers to related and frequently asked questions about this burglary tactic.
What is Lock Snapping?
Lock snapping is a simple way to break open a euro cylinder lock by damaging or removing the door handle to expose the lock barrel. The barrel is then snapped in half using a mole grip or a similar tool. Once broken, the internal mechanism can be easily manipulated to open the door.
This technique is especially effective on low quality locks or those that have been weakened by wear and tear. It is a widely used technique by burglars euro cylinder locks are standard in residential and commercial properties, and the process only takes a few seconds to complete.
4 Locksmith-Approved Anti-Snap Lock Tips
1. Install Anti-Snap Locks on Your Doors.
It’s essential to have high-quality locks that are properly installed. Anti-snap locks are high security versions of euro cylinder locks. When force is applieds, a section breaks off but the lock itself remains intact – making it extremely difficult for burglars to tamper with the mechanism to unlock the door. Although these locks can be DIY-installed, if fitted incorrectly, they may fail to function as designed. To avoid this potentially costly mistake, let a professional handle the installation.
2. Have Your Locks and Keys Inspected Regularly by a Professional.
Frequent use can wear down locks and keys, rendering your home or business establishment vulnerable to intruders. A skilled locksmith can regularly check their condition and spot telltale signs of damage that can lead to breakage while in use or make them easier to snap by burglars.
3. Equip Your Door with a Door Alarm.
There are door alarms with vibration or shock sensors that can help detect lock snapping and other forms of forced entry. When combined with an anti-snap lock which delays the process of breaking the lock, an alarm that alerts homeowners to an ongoing break-in attempt can be effective in scaring the intruder away. To ensure that you get the most suitable model for your door type, consult an experienced locksmith who can also install it correctly for you.
4. Install a Motion-Activated Light by Your Front Door.
When intruder movement triggers these lights, would-be burglars will be highly visible to neighbours and people on the street. Being exposed may cause them to abandon the break-in attempt altogether. As with door alarms, a qualified locksmithcan recommend the option for your needs and ensure proper installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I identify a euro-cylinder lock?
If you have a uPVC door, the lock is most likely a euro cylinder. However, if your door is made of another material – such as wood or composite – there’s still a chance it has a euro cylinder lock, although the likelihood is lower.
These locks have an oval-shaped barrel that protrudes slightly from the door handle and a small keyhole where the key is inserted horizontally.
How do I know if my door is fitted with an anti-snap lock?
You won’t be able to tell just by looking, the lock has to be removed from the door to check if it has snap lines. These are two cuts running vertically down the lock barrel. The lock also has to have the BS kitemark on the cylinder; however, this is not foolproof as this symbol can be falsified. A certified locksmith can check and tell you exactly what kind of lock it is.
What makes anti-snap locks better than standard locks?
The power of anti-snap locks lies in how they can delay break-in attempts due to the time and effort needed to break them. When used alongside other security devices – such as alarms, surveillance cameras, and motion-sensor lights – criminal activity can be significantly disrupted. Intruders are often forced to give up the effort or risk being caught by the authorities, homeowners, neighbours, or passersby.
Final Thoughts
Lock snapping has made breaking into homes alarmingly easy and fast for burglars. However, there are effective ways to short-circuit this widely-used tactic. You can greatly reduce the risk of burglars snapping your locks by following the tips shared here by expert locksmiths. Ready to upgrade to anti-snap locks and boost your home’s overall security? Speak with a trusted locksmith today.
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